What to expect at your visit
A routine cleaning at Allstate Dental takes about 45–60 minutes from start to finish. You'll be greeted by name, settled into a comfortable chair, and taken care of by the same friendly hygienist every visit. Here's the flow:
- Health review (5 min) — quick check-in on any changes since your last visit, medications, and concerns.
- Diagnostic x-rays (as needed) — bitewing x-rays once a year, panoramic every 3–5 years, to spot cavities between teeth and bone loss below the gumline.
- Ultrasonic scaling (15–20 min) — gentle vibration and water spray to break up tartar above and below the gumline. Far more comfortable than old-school hand scraping.
- Hand scaling & polish (10 min) — fine hand tools for the tight spots, then a flavored polish to remove surface stains and leave teeth feeling silky-smooth.
- Fluoride treatment (2 min) — optional but recommended for cavity-prone patients; a quick paint-on varnish that strengthens enamel for months.
- Dr. Luba's exam (10 min) — every tooth, every gum pocket, every restoration checked personally by Dr. Luba. She'll walk you through anything she sees with a hand mirror and intraoral camera.
- Personalized plan — written summary of findings, recommended treatment (if any), and your next cleaning date. No surprise upsells.
Why twice a year matters
Plaque hardens into tartar within 24–72 hours, and once it's there, only a hygienist can remove it. Tartar buildup is the leading cause of gingivitis (early gum disease) and the gateway to periodontitis (the kind that causes tooth loss). Twice-yearly cleanings keep tartar from gaining a foothold — and let Dr. Luba catch cavities when they're $150 fillings instead of $1500 crowns.
Cavity prevention
Fluoride + tartar removal cuts cavity risk by up to 60%.
Gum disease prevention
Regular cleanings reverse early gingivitis before it becomes bone loss.
Brighter smile
Polish removes years of coffee, tea, and wine surface staining.
Whole-body health
Oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy outcomes.
Insurance & cost
Most PPO plans cover two preventive cleanings per year at 100% — no co-pay, no deductible. We verify your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. If you're uninsured, our cleaning fee is $135 (well below the Newark average of $175) and we offer 10% off for seniors paying out of pocket.
FAQs about cleanings
Does it hurt? No. Modern ultrasonic scaling is gentle — most patients find it relaxing. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, tell us and we'll use a numbing gel or local anesthetic at no charge.
How long does it take? 45–60 minutes for a routine visit with x-rays; 30 minutes if you're due for cleaning only.
Do I need x-rays every time? No — typically once a year for bitewings, every 3–5 years for panoramic.